Family Court staff still left behind: this must change

For years, Napo has exposed the chaos in the justice system. The exhausted workforce, chronic underfunding and the revolving door of short-term fixes. But this emergency doesn’t just exist in probation.

It has been brewing for years in Cafcass. And it’s hitting the people who work with the most vulnerable children in our society.

Behind the government’s glossy press releases and Ofsted’s “outstanding” labels lies a workforce that still tells its trade unions that they are all too often feeling demoralised, underpaid and overstretched. With our 2025/26 joint pay claim with UNISON now having been submitted, we’re sending a clear message that enough is enough.

Crisis behind closed doors

Family Court Advisers handle trauma, abuse, and neglect daily. Their work changes lives but it’s being done with dwindling resources, soaring caseloads, and morale often teetering on breaking point.

Many members now hold more than the recommended 20 active cases. That’s 20 plus families, 20 plus reports, and no breathing space.

“You’re carrying the emotional weight of multiple families’ trauma,” said one Napo member. “I’ve seen colleagues cry at their desks. But they push through because they care.”

This level of pressure isn’t safe. It’s not sustainable. And it’s not fair.

Let down by the Ministry of Justice

Since Cafcass moved under the Ministry of Justice in 2014, its staff have been overlooked and underpaid. Political focus has drifted to headline grabbing issues, while strategic oversight has vanished.

“Children’s welfare should never have to compete with prison budgets,” said Napo General Secretary Ian Lawrence. “Our members often tell me that ‘The MoJ is not the right home for Cafcass.’ It’s time for a serious rethink.”

Cafcass staff are generally paid less than local authority social workers, despite doing work that is just as complex and often more emotionally demanding. Even Ofsted flagged low pay as a barrier to recruitment and retention. But the government so far continues to dodge the issue.

Disappearing pay

Since 2010, inflation has risen over 60%, but Cafcass pay has gone up just 26.6% which is a huge real-terms cut. And while UK average earnings have grown by over 50%, Cafcass salaries have only climbed 20.5%.

“Staffing levels must be maintained. New talent needs to be brought in. And long-serving Family Court Advisers need to feel properly supported,” says Napo General Secretary Ian Lawrence. “We’ve engaged with Lord Ponsonby and others in Parliament, and there is obviously more to do, but the message hasn’t yet landed where it needs to.”

We’re done waiting.

What we’re demanding

Napo and UNISON have submitted a fair and affordable claim:

• A 6% pay rise or £3,500 flat increase  whichever is greater
• £15 an hour minimum starting rate for the lowest-paid

This isn’t excessive. It’s a modest and necessary step toward recognising the essential role Cafcass staff play. Many staff still report that they are relying on Universal Credit and foodbanks just to get by.

We’re also calling for a review into where Cafcass would best sit, on the back of the recent Government announcement that it intends to take a fresh look at what’s known as ‘Arms – Length’ bodies because we have yet to be convinced that the MoJ is still the best fit.

Cafcass staff protect children, guide families, and uphold the Family justice system. They deserve respect and decent pay.

We will not stop our campaigning efforts until justice is done for those who deliver it every day.